Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

Epigenetic inheritance of polycystic ovary syndrome — challenges and opportunities for treatment

Elisabet Stener‐Victorin, Qiaolin Deng

Nature Reviews Endocrinology · 2021

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Summary

This narrative review by Stener-Victorin and Deng (2021) synthesises evidence on epigenetic mechanisms underlying polycystic ovary syndrome, with particular emphasis on how epigenetic changes may be inherited transgenerationally. The authors discuss the molecular basis of PCOS pathogenesis through an epigenetic lens and outline potential therapeutic avenues targeting epigenetic modulation. The paper appears to argue that understanding epigenetic inheritance patterns in PCOS offers both mechanistic insights and treatment opportunities, though clinical translation remains nascent.

Regional applicability

The epigenetic mechanisms described are likely universal to PCOS pathogenesis across populations; however, UK-specific application would require integration with existing NHS PCOS diagnostic and management pathways and investigation of whether dietary or lifestyle interventions targeting epigenetic pathways are feasible in UK primary and secondary care contexts.

Key measures

Epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNA expression); PCOS phenotype characteristics; transgenerational disease inheritance patterns

Outcomes reported

The paper examines epigenetic pathways implicated in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) aetiology and explores how epigenetic modifications may be inherited across generations. It discusses therapeutic opportunities targeting epigenetic mechanisms to prevent or treat PCOS.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Maternal, infant & child nutrition
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
System type
Human clinical
DOI
10.1038/s41574-021-00517-x
Catalogue ID
SNmoj1xwj9-ztuc1e

Topic tags

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